What is Diabetic Neuropathy and Why is it Dangerous? AIIMS Expert Delves Into What You Must Do

Nowadays, diabetes has become a common disease among people. When the sugar level crosses a certain limit in your blood, you become diabetic. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition, when nerve gets damaged due to consistently high sugar levels in your blood. It can affect various organs of your body, such as hands, legs, feet and other organs. Its symptoms include tingling sensation, numbness and pain.

 
What an AIIMS Expert Has to Say About Diabetic Neuropathy?

Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, a neurologist in AIIMS, who is also founder of SabkiSehat health campaign, shares her views regarding diabetic neuropathy and how to combat it effectively.

Watch the Video:

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Listen to this video with undivided attention and contemplate on the tips she has given to fight diabetic neuropathy. Overlooking this problem can land you in great trouble.  

What is Diabetic Neuropathy and What are Its Various Forms? 

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage, caused due to high blood glucose levels. If it is overlooked for a long time, it can damage the walls of capillaries that provide nourishment to nerves present in legs and feet. Its various forms include the following: 

• Focal Neuropathy: It is a type of damage caused abruptly to a certain nerve in leg, torso or head, causing weakness and pain. 
• Proximal Neuropathy: It affects buttocks, hips, or thighs, on one side of the body, causing muscle weakness. 
• Autonomic Neuropathy: It affects body functions, such as blood pressure regulations, bladder control, digestion and heart rate. 
• Peripheral Neuropathy: It affects arms, hands, legs and feet, causing pain, burning sensations, tingling and numbness.

Why is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous for You?

If you avoid diabetic neuropathy for a long time, it can be dangerous for you, giving serious consequences. It causes the following problems:

Mars Your Quality of Life

Consistent imbalance, weakness and pain can affect your mental health, mobility, and ability to carry out your day-to-day activities. 

Autonomic System Disruption

Autonomic neuropathy can cause many serious internal complications, such as digestive issues, bladder problems, and cardiovascular problems. 

Loss of Sensation

You will lose the ability to feel cold, heat or pain in your extremities, which will make you prone to sores, blisters, or cuts that will go unnoticed and treated, leading to ulcers or infections. 

Risk of Amputation

Because of slow healing and poor circulation, untreated injuries can give rise to severe infections. If this case advances, it may result in gangrene and require amputation. 

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy? 

You can prevent diabetic neuropathy in the following ways:

• Control your blood sugar levels consistently
• Keep doing exercises on regular basis to improve your blood circulation
• Give up consumption of alcohol and smoking. Both cause damage to nerves.
• Take your foot care—proper footwear, cleaning socks and daily inspections
• Take medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants or pain relievers to manage symptoms.

Diabetes neuropathy is serious problem that you should not overlook. Contemplate on the tips mentioned above to prevent it effectively. It is treatable and curable, so do not lose heart. 

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.